*FINISHED PICS* Helo Hetzer

This is just my opinion, but I find in most cases, nothing wrong with OOB. Half the time, you couldn't tell an AM gun from the kit's, if it's properly done up without seams and such. I believe the weathering is the key and makes or breaks the entire build, along with the paint-job. Though I admire people whom go the extra-mile to spruce up their kits, the majority of PE and AM can get lost in the weathering process. However I know accuracy and building pleasure lead to most people adding AM. Nothing wrong with that.

In saying all this, your weathering, much like Ron's just give off a different aura from your builds, and could take a plain finish like mine and push it over the top. Congrats on your consignment, for I imagine you've opened up some doors for yourself.

Have a safe time in Deutchland.

jthurston wrote:

2 things: 1) I'm forced to take back what I said earlier about this build looking too dark. To me, in the other set of pics, it had a 'wet' look, as if it'd just been pulled out of a lake or something. But in these pics, it looks almost too perfect. As always, Doogo, your build is an inspiration. 2) The object on the front right fender - Is that a jack block? Was it common to see jack blocks painted in the overall color, or would this be a one-off thing? Just wondering, because in some cases it may look better int he overall color, while in others it may look better in a 'natural' color (wood, lt. brown, etc). Either way, you've nailed yet another project.

You know, to be nonest, I usually paint them a wood color, and just overlooked it! I thin I'll paint it like that--I did go through the trouble of "graining" it with the exacto blade. 

Thnks for the sharp eyes! I'll do that! 

2 things:

1) I'm forced to take back what I said earlier about this build looking too dark. To me, in the other set of pics, it had a 'wet' look, as if it'd just been pulled out of a lake or something. But in these pics, it looks almost too perfect. As always, Doogo, your build is an inspiration.

2) The object on the front right fender - Is that a jack block? Was it common to see jack blocks painted in the overall color, or would this be a one-off thing? Just wondering, because in some cases it may look better int he overall color, while in others it may look better in a 'natural' color (wood, lt. brown, etc).

Either way, you've nailed yet another project.

the doog wrote:

My rusting technique will be described in the January Finescale article on "SPOOKED!", my burnt-out Pz IV-J article. I recently received an email from Aaron Skinner telling me that the article would focus on the building and weathering of the Pz IV,and that the rest of the article ( all the rest of the info on the finishing of the base and figures) will be available online on this site somewhere. It's really not hard--just rough up the plastic with an old, stiff brush and some Tenax R-7 glue (in truth, any will work; Tenax is just fast) and then base coat with a dark rust. When dry, add a thickerish wash of lighter rust colors and while that is wet, sprinkle and/or directly stipple in the pastels of various rust shades, and let dry. You can scrub some of them off when they dry if you''re not pleased with the colors or add additional stabs of wash here and there to provide surface variation--remember, the more layers and subtle variations, the better.

I can't wait to see it!

the doog wrote:

Thanks agian for the comments, gys! I guess I'lll start on that new tutorial this fine Sunday morning! Be loooking for it!

once again, I can't wait to see it!  I've never tried silly putty marking before, so it should be helpful. 

the doog wrote:

P.S.--Aaron Skinner was also looking over the full Hetzer article which I had sent him as he wrote me that email and said that it "looked great" and that he was excited by the over-150 WIP photos and the detailed information O had provided.  He said that "this is the kind of article that we love!"!--so keep your fingers crossed--again!

My fingers are crossed.  It really is an excellent article.  In fact, it's the best weathering article I've ever seen!

Congrats doog on getting this one done and in time to have a "care-free" trip to Germany! The new owners will no doubt be pleased and you've got another build to be proud of.

Eric, Dale, stikpusher, redleg, MIke and Manny, Eddy and Steve, and Ben--thanks you guys! Nice for y'all to take the time to comment!

You know, I actually skipped using powders of any kind on this build, as I figured with the shipping and literal handling by the Helo crew once they get it, that it would all just get displaced, or smeared in the end. I did use a touch of regular artist's pastels on the muffler there; that's what the lighter "spot" is--just a touch of bright orangey pastel. 

My rusting technique will be described in the January Finescale article on "SPOOKED!", my burnt-out Pz IV-J article. I recently received an email from Aaron Skinner telling me that the article would focus on the building and weathering of the Pz IV,and that the rest of the article ( all the rest of the info on the finishing of the base and figures) will be available online on this site somewhere. It's really not hard--just rough up the plastic with an old, stiff brush and some Tenax R-7 glue (in truth, any will work; Tenax is just fast) and then base coat with a dark rust. When dry, add a thickerish wash of lighter rust colors and while that is wet, sprinkle and/or directly stipple in the pastels of various rust shades, and let dry. You can scrub some of them off when they dry if you''re not pleased with the colors or add additional stabs of wash here and there to provide surface variation--remember, the more layers and subtle variations, the better.

Thanks agian for the comments, gys! I guess I'lll start on that new tutorial this fine Sunday morning! Be loooking for it!

P.S.--Aaron Skinner was also looking over the full Hetzer article which I had sent him as he wrote me that email and said that it "looked great" and that he was excited by the over-150 WIP photos and the detailed information O had provided.  He said that "this is the kind of article that we love!"!--so keep your fingers crossed--again!

Pretty good Doog.

If I were you, I add just a slight dust on the top and rear hatch, just to break stuff up. Otherwise everything looks good man.

Now, you start to build fast like Ron (biffa), perhaps you manage to build a tank factory in your basement ?

Steve, we need to smuggle one of your spy can inside Doog basement and see what's up.

---
Ben

 Looking great Karl, although I like the other one better. From the  small rusty spot on the lead off pipe (at the muffler), to the finish of the tracks and wheels, it’s apparent that we’re dealing with a pro builder here.                                                                                                                   

Now……. just don’t get taken hostage by a terr on your way to Germany. I can just see the forum trying to divvy up the ransom to get you back!                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Steve

the doog,

I agree with you about the Hetzer tank being an ugly looking tank but you sure have done justice to this one!  Excellent weathering!  Looks very used . . .  I especially like how you did the wheels and tracks.  And the rusted out exhust adds a good touch of interest. 

Excellent build!  Excellent photos!  Your an inspiration to us all!  Sure enjoy viewing your builds.  Keep up the excellent work and tutorials.

-Eddy    

With all these superb Hetzer's being built, I am now looking at the UM 1:72 Hetzer (late) as a possible next project.....

Someone STOP me! 

Doog, any tut's from you are well worth saving and re-reading. Please do it!

cheers

Mike 

Well just another great build.  I always love to see your suff with the best weathering.   I'm sure those guys will be proud of it. You should get them to send you the cover picture they use along with a print of the kit box. Might make a nice framed exibit, at least for your miniature armory. .

Hopefully you enjoy the "farterland" . I'm sure the turkey will wait until you get back.

Safe trip Karl.

Rounds Complete!!

You did it again Doog, this thing looks amazing! Make sure that when Helo put's this in their advert for their figures they get a copy of it on here so we can see it. Love the way this look's well used.

As for any tutorials/ write-ups on your methods I'm always willing to learn from experienced builder's, so in my honest opinion post away.

Congrats on the commission Doog, it turn out great!

Dale 

Well thanks so much all you guys--I'm glad you all have found favor with it! PHEW!

If you all are interested, I was gonna do another painting tutorial about the silly putty method, and some more weathering info, mainly just another reiteration of the dots used on this build. Let me know if there's enough interest--I don't want to  "post-spam" with Hetzers already! Some of you have PM'd me for info, so I figure I'll just condense my answers into one post?

It's a honor to hear that some of you have been inspired by my work on these little panzerjaegers that, to tell you the truth, I always thought were the ugliest tanks! It's nice to see that I can inspire you with a tank which I first built only to add it to my collection because it was a conspicuous absence! 

Thanks again to all!

the doog wrote:

Well, I hope y'all find favor with it! It's STRICTLY "OOB", so don't be too hard on me! Enjoy!

ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?!  I almost started shooting at my computer screen when I saw that!  It looks incredible!

Hello the doog

Hey, this is a beauty...     I am trying to repaint that Hetzer I build 30+ years ago to see I can get at least close to your great work. In the last days your Hetzer models has been an inspiration.

Greetings

Thomas

myspace.com/tomasdelcoro310

doog, congratulations on a great commission build!  I'm sure they will be totally stoked with their new Hetzer!!   I LUV IT! Gotta build be one of these, but no way will it be anywhere near as good as yours!  Keep em coming dude!